This week’s Buyer’s Guide is dedicated to the vast and beautiful, and sometimes confusing, world of raw denim. If you guys haven’t yet checked out our Beginner’s Guide to Raw Denim, you might want to head over there to read up on the basics. If you feel confident enough or just don’t give a damn, go on and take a look at our carefully selected range of denim jeans. Our focus lies mainly on up-and-coming American brands. However, we also included some of our Japanese and French favorites.

Williamsburg Garment Company – Hope Street Made in USA

With affordable denim in mind, Williamsburg Garments Company launched the Hope Street skinny fit jeans as the first model of its Made in USA collection. Despite featuring premium quality 12oz denim fabric woven in North Carolina, and unique details such as American flag print pocket bags, the jeans are reasonably priced at $124. Get them now at the official web store.

Left Field – Cone White Oak Indigo Selvedge Canvas Greaser Jeans

Founded in 1998 in Brooklyn, New York, Left Field takes special pride in the fact that every production step and each component are made in the USA. The Greaser Jeans are crafted from durable Cone Mills White Oak Plant red-line selvedge duck canvas and feature a slightly tapered straight-leg fit and medium-high rise, similar to ’50s-style dungarees. You can pick them up directly from Left Field’s online store.

Norman Porter – Double Front Work Pant

Hailing from Portland, Oregon, Norman Porter is a small apparel company specializing in top-notch denim and leather goods. The above Double Front Work Pant is crafted from rugged 14oz Japanese selvage denim, and features darkened rivets, chambray pocket bags, as well as a cell phone pocket in the left back pocket. You can pick up yours directly from the source.

A.P.C. – New Standard Straight-Fit Dry Denim Jeans

Considering that the word “denim” derives from the expression de Nîmes (“from Nîmes”), it is a given to include at least one French brand. A.P.C.‘s New Standard straight-leg jeans are a versatile and hard-working wardrobe essential – the perfect blend of rugged workwear and casual Parisian chic. You can pick them up at MR PORTER.

Edwin – Edwin ED-71 Relaxed Jean

Japanese brand Edwin has been going strong for quite some time now, churning out exquisite denim wear that impresses with premium quality at wallet-friendly prices. The above ED-71 jean is crafted from exclusively developed 11.25oz denim and features a straight yet rather slim fit. You can purchase them now at End Clothing.

Saint Laurent – Black Raw Denim Jeans

Initially a workwear staple, denim is now a frequent sight in high-fashion collections as well. Hedi Slimane’s distinct rock star aesthetic accordingly calls for a decent pair of jet-black skinny denim pants. The ones above by Saint Laurent are now available at SSENSE.

Nudie Jeans – Sharp Bengt Organic Dry Brown Selvedge

Nudie Jeans have been contributing to Sweden’s excellent reputation as a fashion-forward country for quite a while now, especially excelling in the field of denim. The above Sharp Bengt are made from soft 100% organic Turkish denim that features a beautiful, subtle brown shade. You can pick them up directly from Nudie Jeans’ online store.

Raleigh Denim – Martin Taper 14oz Selvage

If you can’t get enough of that fine American-made denim, you might want to check out Raleigh Denim as well. Each batch is handmade in limited numbers from premium Cone Mills White Oak denim on vintage machines. Each pair is then hand-stamped and numbered. The above Martin Taper is crafted from 14oz raw selvage denim, and features a button-fly closure, regular fit with tapered leg and mid-rise styling. Get them now at Need Supply.

Ruell and Ray – Spence Slim

The Spence Slim by Ruell and Ray are made from 11oz Cone Mills unsanforized selvage denim in Georgia, USA. All components are U.S.-made including buttons by Scovill, YKK Kentucky rivets and Horween leather patches. You can pick up a pair at Art and Survival.

Momotaro Jeans – 0201

Kojima-based brand Momotaro has been supplying high-quality and long-lasting denim since 2006, making them a go-to brand for Japanese denim connaisseurs. The above 0201 type jeans are made by skilled craftsmen using only the best 15.7oz Japanese denim. They come with a regular fit and feature pink selvage and plain back pockets. You can purchase them from Meadow.